3rd Win!

With Sasha Fates in net ("Sasha the Bossah"), we had confidence to step on to the field and compete as a unit end-to-end.  The first three Shore goals came quickly from 3 different players all assisted by Ella Vaill - setting us up for some beautiful passing lacrosse.  At the half, we were up by 10 goals, which meant it was time for some creative lacrosse that would not just be about stalling for 24 minutes; rather, we had to use the time on the clock to continue our own growth as a team but not at the expense of LCA and their goalie.  

 

With LCA'S high pressure defense (just like Pike), we had to attack first, draw defenders and then dish off to a teammate.  That's exactly what they did.  Then, we asked them to complete their 100's (Which means circle the ball, no shots).  We quickly analyzed that there were 2 ways to effectively get "open" in this settled attack.  The team had to either pop out quickly on their outside hand OR complete a backdoor cut on their defender to get open in the middle as we worked the ball around and around, and through the attacking zone.  Then, our next challenge the Coaches assigned to the team was to work on their give-and-go passing.  How many could we complete?  I would say, Nancy and I loved watching them figure it out and communicate through these continued challenges.  One of the most fun goal to witness was a pass from Clara, to Dawson who then told Clara to cut and come back, then passing back to Clara for a beautiful, wide open slot in center.  YES!  A brilliant give-and-go!!  

 

Finally, before we get to the impressive stats, I told the girls at the end of the game that their effort was classy from start to finish.  It isn't easy to stall for 24 minutes, without shooting.  It is exhausting, actually.  They did it with poise, and class - they didn't make LCA feel punished or humiliated.  They took on the additional challenges that we needed to focus on as a team, and made it about us, our growth and continued progress as a unit.  IT WAS A SELFLESS, FULL TEAM EFFORT. 

To put it best, Dawson reported that while on defense, watching our attackers work hard and move the ball around,  said that her player and the LCA teammates commented to each other, "Wow, their passing is like art".  What a complement to this group!    

 

Stats:

-13 Goals by 9 different players (we only had 12 field players so that is 75% of our players scored goals).  But that isn't just what defines a team effort.....

-10 assists on 13 goals, so 77% of our goals were assisted goals!!!

-Goalie Sasha Fates had 5 saves vs. 2 goals, PLUS an interception.

-84% draw control!!